Graham Elliot Finishes His First 5K Race Since Dropping 128 Pounds

MasterChef judge Graham Elliot has two events he’s thankful for this week. He opened his newest restaurant, Primary Food & Drink in Greenwich, Connecticut—and the acclaimed chef ran his first 5K race back home in Chicago on Nov. 30th.

Like most of his fellow runners in the Ditka Dash, Elliot wore a fake moustache in honor of Mike Ditka, the beloved former coach of the Chicago Bears—but this year’s race was a serious step in Elliot’s efforts to turn his life around since undergoing weight loss surgery in July.

“I have been jogging and training since the summer, working up to 3 miles,” he tells PEOPLE.

He finished the race in 34:49 along with his wife Allie—and also showed off his new 268-pound physique. “The race was amazing!” he says. “The feeling of crossing the finish line was a great sense of accomplishment.” Since having a sleeve gastrectomy, Elliot has lost about 128 pounds and completely overhauled his lifestyle.

Weight loss update: now weighing in at 268lbs, down from 396lbs. Thanks everyone for the continued support! pic.twitter.com/qZyzPuScTZ

Congratulation chef Elliot Graham on your weight loss. I am so happy for you

Ashley on December 4th, 2013

Looking good!!!

Belinda Holbrook on February 27th, 2014

He looks great!! Keep it up mister.

Full Write-up on April 29th, 2016

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